The Season Approaches

My two boys

Please take it as a positive sign that I haven't updated this blog in a month!  As the events from the first half of 2012 recede into their proper perspective, life tugged me back on course and time returned to a normal entity, becoming disempowered and once again friendly.  The year ahead tantalizes with solid resolution and determination sprinkled with a good dose of faith and gratitude for the sweetness of support that truly taught me the meaning of dedication.

I continue to shovel bushels of broccoli sprouts down my gullet,  grazing and chewing their peppery goodness,  not unlike Bossy the cow.   It feels good to know I am providing myself with high-grade fuel, and my list of superfoods grows with each evening of research.  Although it is not cheap to do so, making wise choices is a solid investment with damned fine dividends.   So add those pomegranate seeds to a dollop of Greek yoghurt, sprinkle on some walnuts and chia seeds, and know that deep down in your inner workings, your body is sending you a gustatory salute and your knockers are smiling.    Being mindful, practicing yoga, and trying to get in at least 30 minutes of cardio per day are also powerful weapons in the arsenal. 

Christmas 2012 approaches with delicious anticipation and possibilities, the promise of reuniting with friends and family, and the delight of adding new members to the family tree. (I know a secret - stay tuned.)   One new twig arrived a month ago - welcome to Lucas James Van Hoffen, and congratulations to my dear niece and nephew, Carrie, Chris, and very proud brother, Owen! 

SPROUTS!

Ladies, bust out the dental floss, because here's the latest thing that should be parked on your plate.  Meet broccoli sprouts, crunchy, slightly peppery, and loaded with sulforaphane, a compound identified 20 years ago that helps the body's natural cancer-fighting resources and reduces the risk of developing cancer.  Three day old sprouts contain 20 to 50 times the amount of chemoprotective compounds found in mature broccoli heads - and that's a lot of bang for the buck!  There are studies underway to see if eating a few tablespoons of the sprouts daily can supply the same degree of chemoprotection as one to two POUNDS of broccoli.  I like broccoli, I really do - but two pounds are too many and my gut would noisily agree.   For those of you who live in the Valley, you can buy sprouts at Edible Island or Thrifty's.  Even better, they are produced at a local farm called Eatmore Sprouts, and if you call them they will pack them fresh after harvesting and deliver them to the Farmer's Market for pick up.

I haven't quite been able to convince my beloved to partake but I am working on some creative ideas that involve melted cheese or gravy on sprouts.  Sprout French fries.  Or a blender filled with rum & sprouts.   Intravenous at midnight?  C'mon Honey, it will fix your golf game!  There!  That oughta do it!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Fall creeps in



May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
and your pies take the prize,
and may your Thanksgiving dinner
stay off your thighs!